Basketball Drama Magic/Bird to Fly onto Broadway in 2012

Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson will bring the story of two more famed sports figures to Broadway in 2012 with his new play Magic/Bird. The show will follow the intertwined lives of iconic basketball stars Larry Bird and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson. No casting or theater has been announced for the play, which will be produced by Lombardi's Tony Ponturo and Fran Kirmser as well as the National Basketball Association and Bird and Johnson themselves.

At the heart of one sports history's fiercest rivalries, Johnson and Bird battled for three championships, bragging rights, and the future of their sport in the 1980s. The duo electrified the nation on the court and eventually turned their rivalry into one of the most famous friendships in professional sports.

"I have great love and respect for Larry Bird, and am elated that our personal and professional relationship will now be exposed to an even larger audience through this dramatic production,” Johnson said in a statement.

Bird added, "I am fortunate to be working with great professionals such as Fran, Tony and Eric. I am looking forward to working with them to create a story for the Broadway stage about such an exciting and important time in my life.”